Elton Fends off Pressure and Performs in Israel

June 23, 2010

Failing to bow into pressure from Palestinian activists, Elton John performed at a concert in Israel last week.

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The Pixies and Elvis Costello gave in to pressure and cancelled their shows after Israel raided a Gaza-bound ship, resulting in the deaths of nine pro-Palestinian activists, most of them Turkish.

Costello cancelled his two upcoming shows in Tel Aviv, saying it was "a matter of instinct and conscience".

Elton, speaking before the crowd of 50,000 Tel Aviv fans said: "Ain't gonna stop me from coming here, baby."
 

"Musicians spread love and peace, and bring people together. That's what we do. We don't cherry-pick our conscience," he added.

Recently, Elton came under fierce criticism for accepting $1 million for a performance at the wedding of immensely homophobic American Rush Limbaugh.

Elton said it was to “build bridges” with those he disagrees with.

Israel has come under intense international condemnation for the flotilla incident.

The nation is the freest nation in the Middle East for LGBT, with Tel Aviv touted as the region’s gay capital with its endless numbers of venues catering to the community.
 

Israel also has an openly gay member serving in its parliament, the Knesset. 

Image source: Ernst Vikne